Holeigh & Noah's woodland wedding is on Sweet Violet Bride today!  When I look at these photos I can almost hear the joyful laughter echoing through the trees.  It's funny how photos can do that!  Enjoy the photos and the story and click through to SWB to see more!

From the bride…

Noah & I met through a mutual best friend, Tonya, when I was still in high school. She introduced us at a local Starbucks (“Falling in love in a coffee shop” comes into my head every time!) I invited them both to attend church with me that weekend. Tonya couldn’t make it, thus leaving Noah & I to attend church and lunch alone. Little did I know that Noah had secretly been hoping for this! It was fantastic- we talked for a few hours and realized we had many things in common including a love for God. After dating for almost two years, Noah decided the time was right. He consulted with one of my best friends & colleagues, Gail, to set up a photo shoot with a couple. After shooting that couple, she would just happen to mention taking our pictures later the same day since we are never in front of the camera! Fortunately I had no idea what was coming! In the middle of taking photos, Noah knelt down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. In that moment, I truly couldn’t form words. I didn’t say anything at all!  Patiently, Noah asked if I could answer and yes I could! Yes, of course! I was in shock and couldn’t believe it was really happening! After walking around crying, laughing, saying “fiancé” many times, Noah started leading us toward a building in the park. There, all of our friends & family were waiting for us. An engagement party! A moment we could cherish not only with each other but those who mean the most to us. 

The majority of our wedding took place on the Abercrombie’s property, Noah’s childhood home. We loved the sound of an outdoor “natural” wedding that pointed toward creation. We were really inspired by the woods surrounding the house where Noah had literally spent the majority of his time growing up! After spending time walking through the woods, we noticed ferns, moss, fallen logs and greenery. Thus the vision was formed for our elegant and slightly romantic, outdoor woodland wedding. This tied in throughout, from the dresses to the cake! My wedding dress belt beading was shaped like leaves & the shoulder of the bridesmaids dresses resembled flower petals. Our buttercream cake piping resembled branches wandering upon each layer. Inspired by Isaiah 61:10-11, I designed and crafted together our invitation suite, ceremony programs & signage. 100% recycled and plantable, the invitation paper contained bachelor button seeds and were adorned with dried leather ferns. We wanted our guests to feel like they were walking into an enchanted wooded reception. Following the entrance signs, they were welcomed with coach lights & candles. A chandelier hung in the wooded oak tree and our guests enjoyed white florals, ferns and vines over moss palettes on the tables. Our wedding was magical & the happiest day of our lives! It had an all natural, yet classic, feel that truly reflected who we are & our passion for God’s creation.

Photography: The Beautiful Mess / Ceremony Venue: Hickory Grove Baptist Church / Reception Venue: The Abercrombie Estate / Planner: Carla Eustache of Style Perfect Wedding and Events / Floral Design: Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers / Hair: A Salon, Missy / Makeup: Danielle Maddox / Gown: Allure Bridals / Shoes: Antonio Melani / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Invitations + Stationery: designed and made by the bride / Cake: The Charlotte Cakeman / Caterer: Nancy Ray Catering / Ceremony Music: Wescottage Music / DJ + Band: Audio to Go, Trey Perry